There's something about all-black uniforms. It's a look that invigorates fans and players alike -- even if it doesn't make much sense to you. Each year we'll see the obligatory "college football team loses it" video as the team unveils an all-black variant for the upcoming season. Last year the Panthers acquiesced after years of pleading from fans, giving them the all-black alternate they always wanted. Now that uniform is being voted as one of the greatest NFL uniforms of all time.
Make no mistake: The 2012 alternate was neat. The black and electric blue go particularly well together, especially when they're separated from the silver pants. That being said, it's hard to put the Panthers' variant as one of the best of all time. If I had my druthers the final would be a four-way battle between the current San Francisco 49ers, current Indianapolis Colts, powder-blue San Diego Chargers, and the 'hiking football' New England Patriots throwback. There are so many iconic NFL uniforms it's hard to have much affinity for this Johnny-come-lately, even if it's from Carolina.
It remains to be seen whether the Panthers will feel some pressure to keep the all-blacks. The argument against any all-black uniform is television, as monotone uniforms don't read well on TV -- but as cameras and TVs improve, it becomes less of an issue.
Personally, I'm waiting for a complete re-design. The logo re-work was nice, but this team is well overdue for a uniform remodeling. If that's all-black, so be it.